Marco Island

Driving down to Marco Island takes half an hour from Naples. Along the route, you pass signs for the Isles of Capri. I’ve always been eager to get down to Marco Island but I need to go check that out one day!

It’s funny how SW Florida has so many Italian name connections. The Isle of Capri is also due south of Naples, Italy, a ferry boat ride away.

We’d passed Venice, Florida on the way down here and of course, it shares its name with the legendary City of Canals. In the late 1800’s a prominent Gulf Coast pioneer, Frank Higel, suggested the name “Venice” because he was moved by the scenic bayous, creeks, and canals leading out to the azure waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Finally, we arrived at Marco Island, the last stop on our crop of Gulf Coast golfing encounters, staying at the Marriott Marco Island. Marco Island’s got a nice sunny vibe, a retirement community with miles of beach on one side and the Everglades National Park on the other. There are again two courses on offer, the Rookery and Hammock Bay. I played the Rookery this time which I had done again, some years ago. There are a lot more ‘condos’ these days but still a great golf experience. Hammock Bay, which I never played this time, I recall was equally enjoyable. 

Off-course, the Marco Island Historical Museum with its Key Marco Cat and displays on the Calusa Indians is a superb facility that I highly recommend you visit.